it is an amazing movie and i love the story plot
Lean on Me
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Is it age appropriate?
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Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Inspirational movie about a controversial teacher.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 15 and Up
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Lean on Me was written by Polly M. Robertus
Parents need to know that this true story of one teacher's crusade to reform a violent high school has many inspiring moments, but the lead character's tactics are often questionable. Kids will hear lots of profanity, heavy use of racial epthets and other humiliating language, often aimed at teen characters by adults.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about the advantages and limitations of using films to dramatize real stories. Can movies tell a real-life story in ways that other media, such as books or radio, can't? Where do they fall short? For example, are the conversations dramatized onscreen what was really said? Can you trust that everything you see onscreen really happened? What might filmmakers change in order to make a story more engaging or dramatic?
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More on Lean on Me
What’s the Story?
This true story of one teacher's crusade to reform a violent high school has many inspiring moments, but the lead character's tactics are often questionable. In LEAN ON ME, Firebrand teacher Joe Clark ( Morgan Freeman ) is called in to reform Eastside High in Paterson, NJ. He finds a graffiti-encrusted den of drug dealing and violence. Adopting a take-no-prisoners approach to clean things up, Clark runs afoul of community members and exposes himself to legal action. Students respond to Clark's efforts, but his overbearing manner with fellow teachers is often humiliating. A crisis with the law and community leaders coincides with the release of test scores that vindicate Clark's radical methods.
Is It Any Good?
This high-energy true story with terrific performances will hold viewers' attention, although its mixed messages are distracting -- as is the movie's "after school special" look. Mature teens will enjoy a thought-provoking experience, but the movie stresses the protagonist's combative nature at the expense of his worthwhile message about learning. Freeman is dazzling as the temerpamental Clark, veering wildly between bully and buddy. And that's the problem with this movie: it's compelling watching, but inspiration turns to discomfort when Clark's behavior seems as out-of-control as the school he's trying to reform.
Clark's worst temperamental excesses are directed -- often unfairly -- at adults he blames for the mess he's been sent to clean up. Lean on Me would be improved by showcasing fewer temper tantrums and more scenes of learning. Also, the subplot involving a star student's sudden expulsion from home is puzzling, and the resolution of her pregnancy isn't spelled out.
Movie Details
Studio: Warner Bros., Director: John Avildsen
Run time: 109 minutes
Theatrical release: 3/3/1989, DVD release: 9/20/1993
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for Parents Strongly Cautioned
Run time: 109 minutes
Theatrical release: 3/3/1989, DVD release: 9/20/1993
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for Parents Strongly Cautioned
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